Tammy Duckworth - A Real American Hero

Heroes are sometimes hard to find these days, unless you really look for them. Last night, while watching the coverage of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, I saw and heard, a real American hero speak.

Her name is Tammy Duckworth. Do you know her? I want to tell you some things you should know about Tammy Duckworth.

She was born in Thailand.

She is approximately 44 years old.

She is a soldier, a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army.

She is a pilot of Black Hawk helicopters.

She has a Purple Heart, a Meritorious Service Award, an Army Commendation Medal, and more.

She is a Veteran and a formidable advocate for Veterans and their families.

She is the first female double amputee from the war in Iraq.

On Tuesday night, I heard her speak to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. She spoke directly and with conviction to her belief that our military has a friend in President and Michele Obama. Her compassion for Americas veterans was palpable. Tammy Duckworth stood there, on two prosthetic legs that she deliberately did not hide beneath trousers or a long skirt; a proud veteran of the U.S. Military. She didn't want sympathy. That isn't why she isn't ashamed of her prosthetic legs. Tammy Duckworth is an example to all wounded warriors, that there is, and will be - life after the sacrifice.

Tammy Duckworth makes me proud to be a woman; proud to be an American; and she inspires me. Her future is bright. We have not seen a fragment of what Tammy Duckworth will accomplish in her lifetime. .

I heard some good speechs on Tuesday night but none moved me like Tammy Duckworth. If she, a woman born in another country, can display such immense pride in fighting for my country, I owe her a debt of gratitude. If she can sacrifice both of her legs in the name of freedom and return to fight for other Veteran's, she has my upmost respect. She is a hero!

When Tammy Duckworth tells me we need Obama for four more years, I want her to know I heard her. I am listening.

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AUTHOR

Linda Crist

6 years agofrom Central Virginia

MUE - personally, I don't think God cares about being mentioned on a national stage. I think God cares about a more personal relationship. Sandra Fluke - I don't see her in only one dimension. She made other very good arguments for why I don't want Romney rolling back the rights of women. Bill Clinton? Well- Bill just got caught doing what a lot of politicians are doing. I don't condone it but I don't think it affected his policy making ability. I am so glad that I don't expect perfection in humans. It must be horrible to always be disappointed.

MUE

6 years agofrom Virginia

What did you think about the motion to include God back into the platform? Went pretty well don't you think? Isn't Sandra Fluke the college student who wants free birth control? If I remember correctly Bill Clinton was voted husband of the year?

AUTHOR

Linda Crist

6 years agofrom Central Virginia

Hi MizB. I would vote for a Clinton again in a heartbeat and I think Sandra Fluke may have a serious future in politics one day. I thought the DNC was really incredible.

Doris James-MizBejabbers

6 years agofrom Beautiful South

I watched them live, and they were spectacular! I know Bill from my days as a reporter, and he has come a long way as a public speaker.

Wow! sorry I missed her talk. I'll have to watch your video as soon as I get time. I just started watching last night, and if the other nights were as exciting, I'm sorry I've been missing it. Anyway, yes, I agree that anyone who does what she did is a true hero. Thanks for a good hub on her.

AUTHOR

Linda Crist

6 years agofrom Central Virginia

Hey HSchneider - thanks for reading again. We're all entitled to our opinion, aren't we? I only wish I had the fortitude of someone like Duckworth. I'm afraid I might be one of those sniveling victims who would rather lay down and die. But I hope not. lol

Howard Schneider

6 years agofrom Parsippany, New Jersey

I totally agree with you IRC. Tammy Duckworth is a true hero and an inspiration. Compare her to her opponent, Rep. Joe Walsh. he's a total windbag and a deadbeat Dad owing over $130,000 in back child support. Tammy is a hero who takes responsibility and goes beyond. Walsh ducks responsibility. Case closed.

AUTHOR

Linda Crist

6 years agofrom Central Virginia

Hello MUE. Yes, I do now someone who has served in Iraq, more than a few acutally. There are always two sides to a story and the reason we call our way of life a democracy is because we are entitled to our opinions. I respect yours and would hope that you would respect mine. I am not a soldier and my attitude or opinion might be very different if I was. It really all depends on where you're standing and in whose shoes.

My heart aches for anyone who has served our military and come home wounded, whether their wounds are visible or invisible. I offer prayers of thanks for their service and sacrifice continually. If you are a veteran, then I also thank you for your service.

I stand by my claim in this hub. It takes more courage than I have to walk on a stage with two artificial limbs. I doubt that I could do it. As a woman who flew in combat missions, I respect and admire her.

If we can't agree, at least let me thank you for reading my hub and for sharing your opinion. I am always open to hearing both sides and learning all I can.

MUE

6 years agofrom Virginia

Do you know anyone who currently serves, or who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan? Do you know anyone who has lost a limb or limbs. Go to Walter Reed, Balboa or any VA and you'll find hundreds (or more), just like her who aren't politicans. Heck - go ask the Army or Marine Corps to meet an active duty Soldier or Marine who is currently serving in combat with a prostetic limb.

BTW - she doesn't speak for the military, all veterans. As far as many of us are concerned he could care less, except when there is a camera around. The military is in the process of being gutted by President Obama in the time of war, and gutted again by pending sequestration - for which he has provided no leadership except to say that Republicans and Democrats should "work it out".

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